Marty and Zenalou Bennis took their first ski lessons at age 40 and 38 at a small ski area in Minnesota, along with our four sons, Gregory, Jeffery, Daniel and Tom ages 9 to 15. At the end of the lesson, the children disappeared, while Marty and Zenalou tried over and over to conquer the bunny slope. Three hours later, the boys reappeared astounded that we were still struggling to hang onto the same slope and announced, “we’ve been all over already.” OK. From that day in 1970 to this we have loved the sport, and concluded that it is the finest of all family sports. All ages and abilities can ski where they like and join the family at days end, to share and laugh at the fun and mishaps. We always filled our vehicle, first a station wagon, and later a motor home, with as many of the children’s friends as we could fit, most of whom still ski.

Anne Gagne purchased this house in 1995

After years of skiing in many areas of the west Marty and Zenalou found Big Sky, MT in March before it opened the following December. A few condominiums had been built in Meadow Village, and there was one left, which Chet Huntley assured us we needed. We agreed and became proud owners of a two bedroom Silverbow Condo. We eventually sold it, and over time, owned three different condo’s on the mountain. Then one cold day with a blizzard raging, we decided to check out an ideally located, partially finished, home on Low Dog Road, and fell in love. Finishing our new home took the summer of 1995. We named it Cliffhanger, celebrated it’s Grand Opening over Christmas and it has been loved and enjoyed by our children, grandchildren and many friends, both summer and winter, ever since.

Staying at Cliffhanger is a feast for the eyes. The beauty of the surrounding area refreshes ones spirit. Watching the snow fall, then marvel over the sculptures it creates. A warm crackling fire, a game of cards, working one of the ever present puzzles, listening to a CD, watching a video, or TV. Soaking in the outdoor under cover hot tub. Laughing and reliving our day with family and friends while sitting at the welcoming kitchen counter. Games for the children. It’s a special time. In summer, we have watched the bears stroll down the road, a mother moose come down out of the forest with her wobbly legged baby who could barely stay upright, but followed her bravely down to the creek. Deer are often present, the mountain birds and busy squirrels who chewed the opening in the bird house to the right size and now it’s their home. The wild flowers seem like God’s decorations. We open the windows and listen to the West Fork of the Gallatin as it makes it’s way to the river. Sightseeing the area always seems new, and we never tire of it.